In a heartwarming display of bravery and compassion, a Colombian man residing in Peru is being hailed as a hero after rescuing 25 puppies from a devastating fire that engulfed a recycling plant and spread to a neighboring dog shelter. Sebastian Arias, who happened to be walking in La Victoia, Lima, noticed the flames and took immediate action, driven by the thought of his own beloved dog’s safety.
Despite the danger posed by the smoke and fire, Arias courageously climbed the façade of the building, breaking windows to reach the trapped animals inside. The good Samaritan’s selfless act was captured in a viral video shared on Twitter by @AlertaMundial2, showcasing his daring rescue mission.
As smoke billowed from the building, Arias skillfully made his way to the rooftop, retrieving a stranded puppy and gently lowering it onto a mattress held by bystanders below. Applause and cheers erupted from onlookers as he successfully saved the pup, and a ladder was provided to aid his descent.
Twitter/@AlertaMundial2
In an interview with Latina Noticias, Arias revealed his motivation for swiftly springing into action, saying, “I was walking down thinking about my wife and I saw the fire, I saw the dog that was up in the corner. I have this beautiful little animal, and I wouldn’t want my dog to burn to death. Hearing their cries, hearing their moans, I would not like my dog to die like that.”
Twitter/@AlertaMundial2
Despite currently experiencing homelessness and searching for his missing wife, Arias did not hesitate to save the lives of the helpless puppies. His act of heroism serves as a testament to the innate kindness and empathy within him, transcending personal hardships.
The dog shelter, owned by a woman named Soledad Renteria, suffered significant damage in the fire. Renteria, who has been rescuing stray dogs for over 12 years and helping them find homes, lost her own house to the blaze.
🇵🇪🐶🙏 | ¡HÉROE! Un hombre salvó a 25 perritos de un incendio que alcanzó a un refugio de animales en Cercado de Lima, Perú. pic.twitter.com/LUaETXOcoh
— Alerta Mundial (@AlertaMundial2) June 10, 2023
Urging people to adopt the rescued dogs, she emphasized the importance of providing them with love, care, and a safe home. One of the fortunate pups, named Lulu, has already found a new home with Ruben Cano, the mayor of La Victoria.
Efforts are underway to find suitable homes for the remaining dogs, with the Association for the Protection of Animals collaborating closely to ensure responsible adoption and improved lives for these loyal companions. The resilience and unity displayed in the face of adversity highlight the power of compassion and the remarkable ability of individuals to make a positive difference in the lives of animals in need.